Round 105

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The journey from departure to arrival was instantaneous.

We arrived at an airport near Guangzhou on the guild’s private jet and then quickly drove off in a car that had been prepared in advance. Everything was proceeding smoothly, and all I had to do was move my body.

“I thought the situation would be more difficult and we’d encounter more obstacles…”

It seemed that the guild had prepared everything swiftly and efficiently. Throughout the journey, Ara followed quietly. I expected her to be more excited, especially since it was her first time on a plane, but she was more composed than I had anticipated. Occasionally, she would chatter about the new sights she saw, but that was all.

We arrived at the Guangzhou defense line, confirming the strict security measures as we went inside.

“We’ve arrived,” said Assistant Team Leader Lee Hae-sol, who had both met us and driven the car.

“Thank you for driving, Hae-sol.”

“It’s nothing, Deputy Guild Leader. I’ll guide both of you inside right away.”

Lee Hae-sol smiled at me with crescent-shaped eyes that revealed nothing. He had been very friendly towards me lately, likely because my mother had treated him to a meal.

As soon as I got out of the car, I felt the grim atmosphere. The scattered awakened ones didn’t look particularly pleased. My role in this mission was rear support, so this area was likely where others providing rear support were gathered. Despite this, the atmosphere was chilly.

“Hmm?”

I saw a group approaching from afar. While Lee Hae-sol looked puzzled, I gradually recognized the familiar figures coming closer.

“Jae-seong Jae-seong!” Ara suddenly exclaimed.

And then I realized that the approaching figures were Ino Junichi and Jae-seong.

“Why is he here?!”

While I was in shock, the group politely greeted us. They were likely guild members from Japan.

“Deputy Guild Leader Kim Si-young, I’ve only heard about you, but it’s good to see you in good health. I’m relieved. Assistant Team Leader Lee Hae-sol, Kyu-seong, it’s good to see you both again.”

In response to Junichi’s friendly greeting, Si-young stepped forward to respond.

“It’s been a while. I’ve heard about you from my husband. Are you here to support us?”

“We just arrived ourselves. We heard you three were coming and decided to wait.”

While they chatted, Ara ran up to Jae-seong, stopped in front of him, and boldly looked up.

“Jae-seong, Jae-seong!”

“Haha, Ara, it’s been a while.”

Jae-seong gently patted Ara’s head. Even though it was understandable that Junichi and the Japanese awakened ones were here, I couldn’t understand why Jae-seong was here.

“Is it really Jae-seong?”

“Of course! I’m the Jae-seong who made delicious Sweet Potato Candies for you.”

“Sweet Potato Candies! It really is Jae-seong!”

Ara’s unique way of identifying Jae-seong was amusing. Meanwhile, as Si-young and Junichi’s conversation seemed to be wrapping up, I cautiously stepped forward.

“Um… it’s been a while, Ino.”

“Please, call me Junichi. Haha!”

“Alright, Junichi. I didn’t expect to see you here, let alone my brother.”

“As we were about to depart for support, Chef Jae-seong wanted to join us. Haha.”

“Brother, I’ve already earned the title of chef.”

“…”

Looking at the two, who seemed to be in their own world, I was at a loss for words. Noticing my reaction, Junichi tried to explain.

“Given Chef Jae-seong’s culinary skills, we thought he could boost the morale of this weary defense line. And since we heard that Kyu-seong was coming, we agreed immediately.”

“I am the one who can handle your ingredients the best,” Jae-seong added his own opinion. Despite his imposing size, it was amusing to see him checking my reaction.

“Ha, what can I say? Please take good care of my brother.”

“Hahaha! Of course! Oh, by the way, I have some good news for Kyu-seong. I’ll tell you during dinner.”

Good news?

Anyway, the conversation ended there. We needed to go to our accommodations, unpack, and take care of various procedures.

After parting ways with the Japanese awakened ones, Ara was quite disappointed that there weren’t any Sweet Potato Candies. After checking out our accommodations, we headed out again.

I planned to meet the members of the Ara Hongryeon guild first.

‘I heard the guild leader was treated with my antidote…’

I still thought there might be some aftereffects of the poison. Even Si-young and Baek Seung-hyun couldn’t be cured with just one dose of the antidote.

“Oh! Kyu-seong and Kim Si-young are here! And Ara too? Hahaha!”

“Welcome.”

“Hello~! Are you all safe?”

“Haha. Thank you for your concern, Ara. I’m fine.”

Contrary to my expectations, the guild leader seemed perfectly fine. When I asked what had happened, the guild leader gave a slight smile.

“It was a diluted poison. And Kyu-seong’s antidote has improved significantly.”

“Oh…”

I had heard about it but momentarily forgot. Right, it was diluted.

The poison of Avarice had left a strong impression on me.

“Anyway, it’s a pleasure to meet the deputy guild leader and Kyu-seong in person, and I’m sorry at the same time.”

“Sorry? Not at all.”

As I waved my hand dismissively, Ara toddled over to Hanul, whom she hadn’t seen in a long time. Unlike the guild leader, Hanul seemed to be in perfect health without any injuries.

“I’m here!”

“Hahaha! It’s great to see you, Ara!”

“I’m here to beat Mammon!”

Ara, who clenched her fists to show her determination, looked incredibly cute. If Seon-ah saw this, she would have been ecstatic.

“By the way, where is Team 1 Leader?”

“She’s at the front line. She should be back by dinner time, as it’s almost shift change.”

“You’re all working so hard.”

All I could do for them was make antidotes and provide fresh ingredients to boost their morale.

It was a bit disappointing that this was all I could do, but on the other hand, I felt relieved that I wasn’t an awakened one with combat abilities. I should just live quietly, farming.

“You can look forward to tonight’s dinner.”

“Oooh! Kyu-seong! I knew I could count on you!”

“I also found out that Jae-seong came here with Ino Junichi.”

“Junichi?”

Oh, hadn’t they heard the news?

As Lee Hae-sol explained that we had met with the Japanese awakened ones, Hanul’s anticipation grew even more.

“Hahaha! That’s great! Yes, we deserve this kind of reward for our hard work!”

“Team 2 Leader. Please, control yourself a bit.”

“Of course, sir.”

After a brief greeting, we each decided to rest until dinner. All I had to do was deliver the ingredients before dinner preparations started.

“Shall we go see Jae-seong?”

“Let’s go!”

With Ara and Bokkeum, I headed to the kitchen to deliver the ingredients.

I spotted Jae-seong with people dressed as chefs.

“Jae-seong.”

“Oh, hey, brother! And Ara, you’re here too.”

“Hello! Are the Sweet Potato Candies ready?”

“Haha, I’m about to start preparing them.”

I had Bokkeumi take out the ingredients. With Bokkeumi now at level 4, its capacity was larger than most spatial expansion items, allowing us to bring plenty of ingredients for everyone here.

“Indeed, the feeling is different with freshly procured ingredients.”

Jae-seong smelled a carrot with satisfaction. Other chefs nearby began to gather and inspect the ingredients as well. Although I couldn’t understand their Chinese, the low murmurs and enthusiastic reactions made it clear they were pleased.

“Do you think you can manage?”

“What?”

“Can you communicate with the other chefs?”

“It’s fine. I can convey the general idea in English.”

Soon, the ingredient preparation began. Jae-seong, with his few months of overseas experience, communicated effortlessly with the other chefs and proceeded with the cooking. Meanwhile, Ara and I watched Jae-seong cook.

‘Wow.’

He definitely exuded the aura of a professional now. Before, he had the air of a culinary researcher, but now, the title of chef suited him perfectly.

“Kyu-seong!”

“Oh, So-yeon! You’re back.”

Just then, Jeong So-yeon, looking neat and tidy, appeared in the dining hall. Ara waved enthusiastically at her.

“Jeong So-yeon!”

“Ara!”

As the two hugged warmly, I asked carefully, “Are you okay?”

“Yes? Oh, I have to thank you, Kyu-seong. Thanks to the gift you sent, I managed to survive.”

Jeong So-yeon tapped on the blue armor peeking out from her coat.

“I was passing by and smelled something delicious, so I thought you might be here, and it turns out I was right.”

“You’re in for a treat.”

As we chatted proudly, people began to gather in the dining hall, drawn by the smell. Like So-yeon, they all had looks of eager anticipation.

“Haha! So, this is where everyone was gathered!”

With a familiar laugh, Junichi made his entrance. As he appeared, the gathered crowd parted to make way for him.

Ino Junichi, a Level 8 awakened, was renowned worldwide, and people looked at him with admiration.

“Kyu-seong! It’s an honor to have another delicious meal thanks to you!”

“It’s nothing. This is all I can do.”

“Haha! Morale is a crucial element in battle. That’s why supplies are always important. And this is no ordinary supply but a morale booster for everyone! Only you can provide such a special ability, Kyu-seong!”

“You flatter me.”

I felt both embarrassed and grateful for his praise, especially coming from such a distinguished awakened one from Japan.

“Who’s that?”

“Not speaking Japanese.”

“It’s Korean. He must be an awakened one from Korea.”

“Judging by him being with Jeong So-yeon, he must be from the Ara Hongryeon guild. He’s no ordinary awakened one.”

As Junichi and I talked, people began to show interest in me, though I still couldn’t understand what they were saying.

Clang, clang, clang!

Sizzle—

The dining hall was soon filled with delicious smells and people. It seemed busier than usual, likely due to the enticing aroma.

“People are drawn by the smell. Your ingredients really are the best in the world, Kyu-seong.”

Jeong So-yeon gave me a thumbs-up.

Seeing this, Ara mimicked the gesture and gave me a thumbs-up.

“Alright, thank you for waiting!”

Finally, the cooking was done, and the meal service began. Unlike at the Ara Hongryeon Guild, this meal was served cafeteria-style rather than buffet-style.

Murmur, murmur—

I, along with Ara, received a generous serving and headed towards the designated seats for the Ara Hongryeon Guild when I noticed a commotion around us.

“It’s the guild leader.”

Our guild leader had arrived, and beside him was a young woman with striking white hair.

‘Ryu Cheon!’

Ryu Cheon, the youngest Level 8 awakened one and a globally renowned member of the Skyscraper Guild. The commotion seemed to be caused by her presence. The Chinese awakened ones were crowding around her, asking about her wellbeing.

Jeong So-yeon explained the situation.

“You know Ryu Cheon, right?”

“Yes, I do.”

“She was poisoned. She was in the infirmary until yesterday but seems to have been discharged today.”

“That’s fortunate.”

“It’s all thanks to you, Kyu-seong.”

I scratched my head and smiled, getting used to these sudden praises.

At that moment, the commotion seemed to be moving closer. Looking around, I saw our guild leader and members of the Skyscraper Guild approaching.

“Kyu-seong, here you are. Were you preparing in advance?”

“Yes, I came early to deliver the ingredients and see my brother.”

“We are truly grateful to you. These are the members of the Skyscraper Guild active in Shanghai. This is Ryu Cheon, who has come as the guild’s representative…”

As the introductions naturally continued, the guild leader and I turned to look at Ryu Cheon, whose gaze was fixed on one spot.

“Hm?”

Noticing Ryu Cheon’s stare, Ara, who was eating Sweet Potato Candies from her tray, tilted her head curiously.

“Oh, hello?”

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